Boracay's First Casino Opens Amid Environmental and Social Debate
Kaban Hotel and Casino, a 2,000m² gaming facility with 88 rooms, commenced operations in Station Zero this month, prompting concerns from religious leaders and environmental advocates.
Kaban Hotel and Casino Opens in Boracay
Boracay, Philippines – Kaban Hotel and Casino, the first gaming establishment on the popular Philippine island, commenced operations in October 2026. Located in Station Zero, the property features 88 guest rooms and a 2,000 square metre casino, forming part of a larger 23-hectare tourism and entertainment complex.
Officials from Kaban Hotel and Casino stated the development aims to stimulate the local economy through job creation and new business opportunities, alongside attracting more visitors to the destination. However, the opening has immediately drawn scrutiny regarding its potential social and environmental repercussions for one of the Philippines' most visited islands.
Religious and Environmental Groups Raise Objections
The development has met with strong opposition from various local stakeholders. Catholic bishops in Western Visayas expressed concerns over the casino's potential adverse effects on families and communities in the region.
Bishop Cyril Villareal of Kalibo, whose diocese encompasses Boracay, issued a pastoral statement asserting that Boracay's prosperity does not depend on gambling. Bishop Villareal highlighted the island's intrinsic beauty, culture, hospitality, and natural assets as sufficient foundations for a thriving and sustainable tourism sector.
Forestland Impact and Policy Reversal
Environmental advocates have also voiced significant apprehension. Cris Cahilig, co-founder and spokesperson for Natives of Boracay and Business Stakeholders (NABBSI), noted that the 23-hectare development occupies a declared forestland area, representing one of the island's few remaining forested zones.
Cahilig also pointed out that the site falls within a proposed critical habitat for flying foxes, an area identified for protection under the Boracay Action Plan during the island's 2018 rehabilitation. Furthermore, Cahilig raised concerns that Kaban's operation could establish a precedent for future casino developments on Boracay.
Moratorium Lifted Amid Scrutiny
The approval for Kaban Hotel and Casino follows the local government's decision to lift a 15-year moratorium on casino operations, which had been in effect since 2017. This lifting occurred without public consultation, specifically to facilitate the Kaban project.
This contrasts with earlier instances where the national government had approved casino projects in Boracay, only to reverse those decisions due to widespread public opposition. The current situation places Boracay at a crossroads, balancing economic development with preserving its natural environment and social fabric following its recent recovery efforts.
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